Guide to Alternative App Stores: New Opportunities for App Marketing

In a space where Google Play and Apple’s App Store dominate app distribution, alternative app stores offer new perspectives for developers and marketers looking to diversify their reach and enter new markets.

Alternative App Stores, often overlooked, present unique advantages, from targeting niche audiences to enjoying less competition. Our article highlights their significance, benefits, and how developers and marketers can successfully start using these platforms.

Understanding Alternative App Stores

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) app stores are platforms provided by device manufacturers. They allow developers to distribute their apps directly to users of specific devices.

Examples include the Samsung Galaxy Store, Xiaomi GetApps, Oppo App Market, Huawei AppGallery, and Vivo’s V-Appstore. These stores cater to the unique styles of their devices, offering apps, games, and exclusive content.

Advantages of Alternative App Stores

Access to Niche Markets: These platforms enable developers and marketers to reach specific user segments, often in different geographical or demographic markets.
Reduced Competition: With fewer apps competing for attention, your app has a better chance of standing out and being discovered by potential users.
Enhanced User Engagement: Many OEM stores offer specialized promotional tools and features that can help increase user engagement and retention.

Strategies for Success in Alternative App Stores

Tailoring Your App for Specific Platforms: Understand each platform’s unique requirements, preferences, and users. Tailoring your app to fit these criteria can boost its appeal and performance in each store.
Utilizing Pre-Install Opportunities: Some OEM stores offer the option to have your app pre-installed on devices, providing a direct path to user engagement from the first use.
Engaging with On-Device Recommendations: Leverage the on-device recommendation systems employed by many Android devices, which can help your app gain visibility among new users.

1. Embracing Dynamic Pre-Installs

Having your app installed on a user’s new device is like a VIP pass to the front of the line, avoiding the crowded app store search.

Dynamic pre-installs make this possible, giving your app immediate visibility. This strategy is powerful in markets where alternative app stores have authority and users seek pre-curated app selections on their new devices.

Moreover, dynamic pre-installs are mainly recommended apps shown to users when they buy new devices or upload the operating system. Users will go through a series of activation screens that lead to a few “selected” recommended apps.

2. Making the Most of On-Device Recommendations

Another benefit of alternative app stores is their on-device recommendation engines. These features put your app in front of users by suggesting it based on their preferences and behaviors.

Landing a spot in these recommendations can grow your app’s download numbers and user engagement. To get there, focus on polishing your app’s listing with catchy keywords, an engaging description, and eye-catching visuals, all while keeping your user ratings high.

Tailoring Your Strategy for Alternative App Stores

To truly get the most out of alternative app stores, consider these tips:

Get to Know the Platform: Each store has its distinct rules, audiences, and opportunities. Understand what makes each platform unique to tailor your approach effectively.
Optimize Your App’s Presence: Your listing is a handshake with potential users. Make it count with a clear, compelling title, a description that tells your app’s story, and visuals that grab attention.
Foster User Relationships: Encourage reviews and ratings and carefully respond to user feedback. Engaging with your users builds a community around your app and signals to the app store algorithms that your app is worth featuring.
Use the Tools at Your Disposal: To strengthen your app’s visibility, take advantage of promotional features offered by alternative app stores, such as ads, featured listings, or inclusion in particular categories.
Keep Tabs on Your Performance: Monitor your app’s performance across different platforms and be ready to tweak your strategy based on analytics and user feedback. What works in one store might need adjustment in another.

The Potential of Alternative App Stores: Key Statistics

3.3 billion Android users globally highlight the potential audience outside conventional app stores.
32% retention rate for pre-install campaigns, suggesting a solid initial user engagement through OEM stores.
Diverse Android market shares across different regions show the importance of a holistic approach to app distribution.

Top 7 Alternative App Stores

Find alternative app stores list of the top platforms that provide great opportunities for app developers and marketers:

Samsung Galaxy Store: This store is for Samsung device users and offers exclusive apps, games, and themes. It has a large user base and high purchasing power.
Xiaomi GetApps: Focused on expanding in emerging markets, GetApps is Xiaomi’s official app store. It has operations across 59 regions and will soon target over 100.
Oppo App Market: Known for its strong user engagement and monetization strategies, Oppo’s app market is expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia.
Huawei AppGallery: Offers a global audience to developers, with features like carrier validation and firmware integration for enhanced user acquisition.
Vivo V-Appstore: Serving over 400 million users in more than 60 countries, Vivo’s app store has been a steady contender since 2009.
Amazon Appstore: Provides a unique ecosystem for Android apps, particularly strong in the US and European markets, focusing on quality and user experience.
Aptoide: An open-source platform with a decentralized approach to app distribution that offers many apps not found in traditional app stores.

REPLUG’s Approach to Mobile OEM Marketing

Innovative User Acquisition: REPLUG leads with mobile OEM marketing, breaking free from traditional channels to tap into a fresh audience with exclusive placements on global smartphone providers, all based on performance.
Unparalleled Growth Opportunities: Feature your app in prime spots like dynamic preloads, in-store ads, browser ads, and more, turning these placements into powerful growth platforms for worldwide brand expansion.
Tailored Campaigns for Success: We create custom growth strategies for your brand, optimize campaigns to meet your goals, and significantly impact mobile OEM marketing.
Global Reach, Quality Audience: Access over 1.5 billion devices across 80+ countries, connecting with a premium Android audience beyond the reach of conventional ad networks, ensuring your brand stands out.
Escape the Duopoly: Navigate past the app marketing duopoly with mobile OEM marketing, exploring new channels that refresh user acquisition tactics.
Precision Targeting: Leverage the detailed targeting options of on-device ads to engage your ideal users in a non-intrusive way, enhancing user experience and fostering positive interactions.

With REPLUG, go beyond the usual, as you can enter a world of potential for your app’s growth and visibility.

Conclusion: Using Alternative App Stores for Growth

Alternative app stores represent an opportunity for developers and marketers willing to explore beyond Google Play and Apple’s App Store. With these platforms’ unique features and audiences, developers can find new ways to acquire users, engage them, and monetize their services.

Let’s unlock your app’s full potential together, tapping into markets ripe for discovery and growth. Reach out, and let’s talk about how we can transform your app’s future today.

Discover how to reach a unique audience with OEM marketing. Contact us today.

FAQs

Are alternative app stores only beneficial for Android apps?

While most alternative app stores cater to Android devices due to the open nature of the Android OS, there are also opportunities for iOS apps in stores like the Amazon Appstore.

How do I get my app on an OEM store?

Each OEM store has its own approval process. Generally, you will need to register as a developer on the platform, submit your app for review, and comply with their guidelines.

Is it worth listing my app on multiple alternative app stores?

Absolutely. Listing your app on multiple platforms maximizes its visibility and potential user base. However, you must manage each listing effectively and keep your app updated across all platforms.

How do alternative app stores handle app monetization and advertising?

Like Google Play and the Apple App Store, most alternative platforms offer monetization options, including in-app purchases and advertising. The specifics can vary, so review each store’s policies.

Can I leverage analytics on these alternative platforms?

Many alternative app stores provide developers with analytics tools to track app performance, user engagement, and other metrics.